Dirty Gold: The Rise and Fall of an International Smuggling Ring

Dirty Gold is a searing expose on the booming gold mining industry and the destruction it causes on the land and people of Latin America. It follows the meteoric rise and fall of the three amigos, a group of drug traders who laundered narco money through gold and made millions before they were caught.

Format: Paperback / softback
Length: 384 pages
Publication date: 03 March 2022
Publisher: Hodder & Stoughton

Dirty Gold: The Scandalous World of Gold Mining in Latin America is an astonishing read that delves into the corrupt, greedy, and alcohol-fueled world of the global economy. Authored by Oliver Bullough, the book offers a revealing glimpse into the dark underbelly of the jewelry industry, shedding light on the real cost of the global obsession with gold.

The narrative crackles along, engaging readers with its vivid portrayal of the characters and their intricate schemes. The authors deserve credit for exposing the unscrupulous practices prevalent in the jewelry industry, particularly in the Latin American region. Through their meticulous research and compelling storytelling, they provide a stark contrast between the glitz and glamour of gold and the devastating consequences it has on the land and people.

One of the book's most striking aspects is its exploration of gold as the new cocaine. It highlights the lucrative nature of the gold mining industry, which has become increasingly attractive to drug traffickers and criminal organizations. The authors shed light on the ways in which gold is being used as a means of laundering narco money, with small US firms in Miami playing a significant role in facilitating this illegal trade.

The book also delves into the devastating impact of gold mining on the land and people of Latin America. It examines the environmental degradation, human rights abuses, and social unrest that have resulted from the pursuit of gold. The authors highlight the plight of indigenous communities, who have often been marginalized and exploited by the mining industry, as well as the ecological consequences of large-scale gold mining operations.

The narrative follows the meteoric rise and fall of a group of drug traders known as the three amigos. These individuals were involved in laundering narco money through the illegal import of gold into the United States. They amassed millions of dollars in profits before their downfall, all while the humanitarian situation in Colombia, Peru, and many other countries deteriorated dramatically. The book provides a detailed account of their schemes, their interactions with corrupt officials, and the consequences of their actions.

Dirty Gold is a powerful and eye-opening book that challenges readers to consider the true cost of the global obsession with gold. It serves as a cautionary tale, reminding us that all that glitters is not gold and that the pursuit of wealth and power can have devastating consequences for both individuals and communities. Through its compelling storytelling and insightful analysis, the book offers a valuable contribution to our understanding of the complex relationship between gold, crime, and the global economy.

Weight: 268g
Dimension: 129 x 196 x 32 (mm)
ISBN-13: 9781529345315